From Golden Beaches to the Heartland: Reflections of NSW Rural Trainees

Abstract

The NSW rural psychiatry training project is an exciting development. Three years on, it represents the best avenue for creating a locally based rural psychiatrist network. It stands as a model for the rest of the country.

The experience of psychiatry training in rural NSW

“…For example, good supervision, SCoT and consultant support, rural lifestyle preferred by some trainees, and the potential for interesting rural terms. These positives and negatives reflect a similar experience to trainees in 2004 reported by De Moore et al 10 What can be done to improve the training experience?…”

“…A 2004 survey of trainees reported positive and negative aspects of training; positive aspects included a close working relationship with consultants, respect from other staff, autonomy in work and lifestyle benefits such as more favourable overtime, and negative aspects of training included isolation from their peer group, need for a high level of initiative to get through the training, challenges of working and living in the same community and difficulty coordinating rotations to the city to complete mandatory training terms. 10 In 2013 we thought it timely to survey rural trainees, and include key psychiatrists, about their experience of rural training. The results are reported here.…”

Mental Health Gap Action Programme training in Nigeria: reflections for progressive learning among primary care workers

“…There are obstacles seen in the form of a lack of flexibility in training rotations, isolation from peers and insufficient support when relocating. 11 …”

“…There are obstacles seen in the form of a lack of flexibility in training rotations, isolation from peers and insufficient support when relocating. 11 There is also a need to develop educational opportunities for trainees placed on these sites, and explore the necessary adaptation of existing curricula to provide optimal learning in rural and remote environments. 12 All methods described above have a good evidence base, and all have their own advantages and limitations.…”

Time to end the drought in the bush

“…However, systemic bias towards 'city-centric' training regulations and demanding service requirements in overstretched rural services were seen as barriers to rural fellowship training. 29 A lack of subspecialty advanced training opportunities and difficulty accessing formal aspects of training remain as structural deterrents for some aspects of training; however, the generalist approach to fellowship in rural locations was considered well suited. 30 In keeping with recent changes to undergraduate medical training, specialist colleges are now being called upon by governments to provide medical education at regional levels to ensure rural programmes 'support long term community outcomes'.…”